The Daniel Diet

The Daniel Diet, sometimes called the Daniel Fast, is a three week diet program that takes its guide from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible.  This is a modified fast, where you do get to eat, but your intake is limited and strictly vegetarian.

In the book of Daniel, the scripture talks about Daniel's two fasts. In the first fast, he ate only vegetables and drank water for 10 days. In his second fast, he avoided bread, meat and wine for three weeks. In both cases his health and outlook improved.

Because of the theological basis for this diet, many practitioners incorporate prayer and Bible reading into the process. This can't hurt, but non-believers can also benefit from the diet. If you do additional research on the Daniel Diet, be prepared for a very Christian point of view from most of the web sites.

The diet restrictions are pretty clear, and somewhat severe. You can eat no meat or processed foods. About 70% of your calories should be from raw or blanched vegetables, fruits and nuts. The balance can be from grains, beans, lentils and other starchy vegetables.

Your only source of liquids, beyond what you get from the fruits and vegetables, is from water. No other beverages are permitted. The Bible speaks specifically about avoiding wine, but this has been broadened to all beverages.

As with most drastic reduction diets, it is important to be in good health before you start. You should also be sure to take a multivitamin every day, because the allowed foods may not give you all of the nutrients that you need.

Some proponents suggest a "pre fast" stage to begin. That means a week or so of reduced eating before you begin the actual. No real food restrictions apply during this preparatory phase, but your body is getting used to eating less. This helps you tolerate the drop-off in calorie intake during the 10 or 21 day fast.

Is this the diet for you? Many people appreciate the theological background of this diet and find it easier to follow than a modern-day creation. Others find the restrictions, especially regarding beverages, too much to take. The Daniel Diet does not meet the government's 1,200 calorie per day recommendation, but only lasts three weeks. Eating fresh fruits and veggies can also be a welcome break from processed foods and sodas.

Have you tried the Daniel Diet? Click on the Comment button and let us know if it was a great experience!